ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Elena Rybakina on Sept. 28 to congratulate her on winning the U.S. Open and becoming the first Kazakh tennis player to reach the top of the WTA rankings. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulates Elena Rybakina on her latest triumph.
Photo credit: Akorda. He also awarded her the Barys Order, third degree, for outstanding sporting achievements and her contribution to the development and promotion of tennis in Kazakhstan. During the meeting, Tokayev highlighted the historic significance of Rybakina’s achievements and her influence on the younger generation.
“After your victories, our children are taking an interest in tennis, enrolling in sections in large numbers and wanting to become champions themselves. You set a positive example for our children, and this is very important. Our children should engage in sports, as it is crucial for their future,” he said.
He noted that Rybakina’s three Grand Slam victories would become part of tennis history and said he was confident she would continue to achieve major results. Tokayev also praised Rybakina’s conduct on and off the court, describing her as a person of “exceptionally high personal culture.” Rybakina thanked President Tokayev for his personal support and attention to the development of tennis in Kazakhstan.
She said she was proud to represent Kazakhstan on the international stage and would continue striving for high results. Rybakina’s latest achievement caps a landmark 2026 season. She won the Australian Open and US Open, reached the finals of Indian Wells and Toronto, and became the first player representing Kazakhstan to top the WTA singles rankings.
She is the 30th woman in WTA history to reach world No. 1.